Camcorders

Parent Cafe
1

<p>My Dad has asked me to go shopping with him to help pick out a camcorder for my Mom for Christmas. Every year, I accompany him to shop for her, and usually, it’s pretty easy. In the past, he’s usually gone with clothes, or jewelry, and I know her tastes pretty well. But this year, Mom has expressly requested a camcorder, and Dad intends to comply (smart man ;)). But he doesn’t know a thing about camcorders, and neither do I. </p>

<p>That’s my que to come before the gurus of CC and beg for help. Over the years, I have discovered that somebody here knows something about virtually anything (often, several somebodies). So, I’m begging—please, please, please, help me! What should I look for in a camcorder. Dad doesn’t want to spend more than about $500. What can we get for that amount? Any information you could provide will be well appreciated. It would really ease the shopping stress to enter the store armed with some knowledge.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance, guys (and gals :0).</p>

<p>Poetsheart</p>

2

<p>Mini-DV format. Built-in light. Low-light capability. Viewfinder and LCD display. Cables and connectors to upload video to a PC. still-shot digital capability with something like an SD card socket. Digital stabilization (anti-shake). I don’t know if brands matter anymore, but I bought a Panasonic last year for about $400 and it has been great.</p>

3

<p>The latest Camcorders are the DVD ones. They are actually pretty good cause now everyone has DVD’s and they’re just better. If you’re going to buy a camcorder then look online because you can get good deals online. Also if you find one online try to find it in a store to see how it’s really going to look.</p>

4

<p>The DVD camcorders present problems in many cases if you like to do post processing of your video on the computer. Stick with mini DV.</p>

5

<p>Look at the Canon ZR-600… Right price range, right features, fun little digital video camera.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=423632&is=REG&addedTroughType=search[/url]”>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=423632&is=REG&addedTroughType=search&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>btw, I TOTALLY agree about getting Mini-DV format instead of DVD.</p>

6

<p>Get a Sony. The lens is great and so is the color balance, clarity, etc. Even the low end model has a pro-quality lens.</p>